Product Category Manager

The Spice & Tea Exchange•St. Augustine, FL

15h•Onsite

About The Position

The Category Manager is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of assigned product categories, from strategic planning and market analysis to product development, pricing, and performance optimization. This role will serve as the category expert, driving growth through data-driven insights, trend forecasting, and cross-functional collaboration with Supply Chain, Marketing, and Operations. The ideal candidate is passionate about product storytelling, skilled in balancing creativity with analytics, and capable of translating guest and franchise feedback into actionable category strategies that align with brand goals.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in marketing, merchandising, or related discipline.
5+ years of category management, CPG experience preferably in food beverage or specialty consumables.
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, Power BI, or similar tools.
Exceptional project management and communication skills with ability to influence cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated success in managing product lifecycles and driving category profitability.
Consistently work around spices; must not be sensitive or allergic to various scents, spices, fruits, extracts, aromas, or personal protective equipment (latex gloves) (8+ hours per day).
Ability to perform repetitive tasks (8+ hours per day).
Ability to visually identify color, substance, products, and their characteristics (8+ hours per day).
Operation of, but not limited to computer tools and equipment, printers and equipment (8+ hours per day).

Nice To Haves

Passion for culinary, beverage, or lifestyle products is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute category strategies that support the brand’s overall product vision, financial goals, and long-term growth.
Conduct competitive analysis, consumer trend research, and market benchmarking to inform category positioning.
Identify assortment gaps, innovation opportunities, and product lifecycle transitions (e.g., core, LTO, seasonal, and Sell-Thru items).
Lead the end-to-end management of products within assigned categories from concept to commercialization and retirement.
Solidify Vendor relationships depicted by each category, facilitating sample orders, pricing negotiations and relationship building with Supply Chain to ensure ongoing vendor partnership success.
Partner with Supply Chain, and Creative to ensure products meet cost targets, quality standards, and launch timelines.
Monitor sell-through, margin performance, and inventory levels to optimize assortment and profitability.
Create data driven reports to share amongst Product Development and Supply Chain iterating the story of success or failure of the product introduction and ultimately driving data driven decision for product sunsets and Core line up additions.
Collaborate with Marketing and Creative teams to develop campaign support, storytelling, and in-store merchandising strategies.
Partner with Supply Chain on sourcing, vendor communication, and demand planning.
Work with Operations and Training to ensure category success in retail execution and staff education.
Own category P&L performance including revenue, COGS, and margin optimization.
Analyze sales trends, forecast demand, and recommend adjustments to meet or exceed budgeted goals.
Present quarterly category reviews and annual business plans to leadership.
Stay current on industry trends, seasonal flavor profiles, packaging innovations, and guest experience opportunities.
Evaluate and recommend new product opportunities, vendor partnerships, and strategic collaborations.

Benefits

Medical Insurance
401(k)
Paid time off
Medical, dental, vision and other ancillary benefits.
401k plan + company match.
Flexible spending account (FSA) for medical and/or dependent care.
100% Company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance.
Paid time off (PTO) during first year, following 90 days of employment.
7 Paid Holidays.
Employee product discounts.
Biannual “Create & Share”, free product gifts.
Annual “Holiday Bucks” with access to select personalized gifts for yourself or loved ones over the Holidays.